Josh Koehn

Politicians and pontificators are expected to make mistakes from time to time. It’s a peril of the job when constantly going on camera, stepping onstage, talking into a microphone, and tweeting. But there’s a spectrum of error, from a gaffe or unforced self-own to a fatal pattern of misbehavior. Here are some of the silliest slip-ups, biggest blunders, and most career-ending crashes in San Francisco and national politics from an exhausting election year.

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<p>Politicians and pontificators are expected to make mistakes from time to time. It’s a peril of the job when constantly going on camera, stepping onstage, talking into a microphone, and tweeting. But there’s a spectrum of error, from a gaffe or unforced self-own to a fatal pattern of misbehavior. Here are some of the silliest slip-ups, biggest blunders, and most career-ending crashes in San Francisco and national politics from an exhausting election year.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethics-evader-mark-farrell-nbsp">The ethics evader: Mark Farrell&nbsp;</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethics-evader-mark-farrell-nbsp">The ethics evader: Mark Farrell&nbsp;</h2>

Former-mayor Mark Farrell during a meet and greet with voters at the blue painted lady on Tuesday July 23, 2024. About 40 people sat inside the blue painted lady for a private town hall event with former-mayor Mark Farrell where he made his pitch for reelection and voters asked questions about zoning, downtown, crime, and other problems plaguing the city.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240723_farrellvisitspaintedladies_-0252.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands smiling with arms crossed. He's surrounded by people, facing them, and appears to be in a formal setting with paneled walls." class="wp-image-314061"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell thinks about his last visit to Alcatraz.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240723_farrellvisitspaintedladies_-0252.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands smiling with arms crossed. He's surrounded by people, facing them, and appears to be in a formal setting with paneled walls." class="wp-image-314061"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell thinks about his last visit to Alcatraz.</figcaption></figure>

Where to begin? Mark Farrell was an early frontrunner in the mayor’s race, only to see his campaign derailed by one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">report</a> after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/mark-farrell-campaign-finance-ballot-committee-payment/">another</a> about his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/sf-mayors-criminal-investigation-mark-farrell/">ethical lapses</a>. It’s almost unfair to suggest the former supervisor and interim mayor was guilty of a “gaffe” when his campaign was hit with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/farrell-to-pay-108000-in-ethics-commission-settlement-for-election-violations/">the largest ethics fine in San Francisco history</a> a day before the election. But if we had to go with just one face-palm moment, it would probably be <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/13/san-francisco-mayor-debate-takeaways/">the candidate debate</a> in which Farrell said his favorite thing to do in San Francisco is visit Alcatraz. Way to seem normal, man.

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<p>Where to begin? Mark Farrell was an early frontrunner in the mayor’s race, only to see his campaign derailed by one <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/01/mark-farrell-campaign-money-san-francisco-restaurants-bars/">report</a> after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/mark-farrell-campaign-finance-ballot-committee-payment/">another</a> about his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/sf-mayors-criminal-investigation-mark-farrell/">ethical lapses</a>. It’s almost unfair to suggest the former supervisor and interim mayor was guilty of a “gaffe” when his campaign was hit with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/04/farrell-to-pay-108000-in-ethics-commission-settlement-for-election-violations/">the largest ethics fine in San Francisco history</a> a day before the election. But if we had to go with just one face-palm moment, it would probably be <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/13/san-francisco-mayor-debate-takeaways/">the candidate debate</a> in which Farrell said his favorite thing to do in San Francisco is visit Alcatraz. Way to seem normal, man.</p>

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The flip-floppers: Ben and Felicia Horowitz


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-flip-floppers-ben-and-felicia-horowitz">The flip-floppers: Ben and Felicia Horowitz</h2>


SUN VALLEY, IDAHO - JULY 07: Co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz Ben Horowitz and his wife Felicia walk to lunch at the Allen &amp; Company Sun Valley Conference on July 07, 2021 in Sun Valley, Idaho. After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s most wealthy and powerful businesspeople from the media, finance, and technology worlds will converge at the Sun Valley Resort for the exclusive weeklong conference. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gettyimages-1327532544.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a green shirt and shorts, and a woman in a white dress with long boots, walk hand in hand on a path lined with colorful flowers." class="wp-image-302374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, had a change of heart just in time to back the losing candidate for president.</figcaption></figure>


When you’re a billionaire, you can afford to change your mind as often as you want. But venture capitalist Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, managed to pull off an embarrassing flip-flop that went viral. The couple <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/16/felicia-ben-horowitz-party-switch/">stunned their Democrat friends</a> after Ben announced with a16z partner Marc Andreessen that the firm was backing Donald Trump for president. The Horowitzes had been longtime supporters of Democrat candidates and close friends with Kamala Harris, which made the decision mystifying. A story by The Standard scrutinizing the couple’s shift to the right drew a pre-publication rebuke from Ben on X — where, as is his wont, he opened with Kendrick Lamar rap lyrics — only for the couple to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/04/after-public-trump-endorsement-ben-and-felicia-horowitz-flip-flop-to-donate-to-harris/">jump ship back to Harris</a> in October. To be fair, Felicia’s defensive quote about the chairman of The Standard and reporter Emily Shugerman — “Mike Moritz and Emily Shugerman can kiss the crack of my black ass” — was objectively funny (sorry, Mike and Emily!) and makes the melodrama worth the time wasted.

How ex-liberal billionaires Ben and Felicia Horowitz made a MAGA U-turn

After public Trump support, Ben and Felicia Horowitz flip to back Harris

<p>When you’re a billionaire, you can afford to change your mind as often as you want. But venture capitalist Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, managed to pull off an embarrassing flip-flop that went viral. The couple <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/16/felicia-ben-horowitz-party-switch/">stunned their Democrat friends</a> after Ben announced with a16z partner Marc Andreessen that the firm was backing Donald Trump for president. The Horowitzes had been longtime supporters of Democrat candidates and close friends with Kamala Harris, which made the decision mystifying. A story by The Standard scrutinizing the couple’s shift to the right drew a pre-publication rebuke from Ben on X — where, as is his wont, he opened with Kendrick Lamar rap lyrics — only for the couple to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/04/after-public-trump-endorsement-ben-and-felicia-horowitz-flip-flop-to-donate-to-harris/">jump ship back to Harris</a> in October. To be fair, Felicia’s defensive quote about the chairman of The Standard and reporter Emily Shugerman — “Mike Moritz and Emily Shugerman can kiss the crack of my black ass” — was objectively funny (sorry, Mike and Emily!) and makes the melodrama worth the time wasted.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-diss-tracker-garry-tan">The diss-tracker: Garry Tan</h2>


Tech entrepreneur and CEO of Y Combinator Garry Tan gesticulates during an interview at his offices in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Garry Tan has become a political activist and is one of the fiercest critics of progressives in San Francisco.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/garrytan09272023_014.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses and a beard is sitting on a couch gesturing with his hands. He appears to be explaining something, set against a cozy, blurred background." class="wp-image-330116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan learned a political lesson after a late-night tweet inspired by a 2pac diss track.</figcaption></figure>


Speaking of people in tech who should not quote rap lyrics! <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, CEO of Y Combinator, stepped in it last January when he riffed on a classic 2pac diss track by suggesting San Francisco supervisors should “die slow.” Subbing in elected officials’ names in the lyrics did not go over well, as several progressive supervisors received death threats, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">police reports were filed</a>. Tan apologized, and his tweets softened for a short spell before he returned to the social media soap box with a vengeance in the leadup to November’s election.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

Garry Tan’s vulgar tweet prompts police reports by San Francisco supervisors

<p>Speaking of people in tech who should not quote rap lyrics! <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Garry Tan</a>, CEO of Y Combinator, stepped in it last January when he riffed on a classic 2pac diss track by suggesting San Francisco supervisors should “die slow.” Subbing in elected officials’ names in the lyrics did not go over well, as several progressive supervisors received death threats, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/garry-tan-vulgar-tweet-prompts-san-francisco-police-reports/">police reports were filed</a>. Tan apologized, and his tweets softened for a short spell before he returned to the social media soap box with a vengeance in the leadup to November’s election.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-garbage-collector-joe-biden">The garbage collector: Joe Biden</h2>


August 19: President Joe Biden takes the stage before delivering the keynote speech during the first day of the Democratic National Convention on August 19, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.  Vice President Kamala Harris will formally accept the party's nomination for president at the DNC.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gettyimages-2166820632.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit stands at a podium, shielding his eyes with his hand as if looking into the distance. The background is a soft blue with vertical lines." class="wp-image-303404"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">President Joe Biden looks back to the time when he should have bowed out of the race.</figcaption></figure>


It might seem like elder abuse to include Joe Biden in this list, but, after all, he’s still the president and leader of the free world. Of course, he should have bowed out many moons before <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/joe-biden-debate-democrats-donald-trump-gavin-newsom/">his disastrous debate against Trump</a>. And yeah, introducing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” at a NATO summit wasn’t great. But Sleepy Joe’s most impactful gaffe came in the home stretch of the election, when he responded to a racist joke by a Trump-supporting comedian by calling Trump supporters <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-10-31/us-election-2024-biden-gaffe-hands-trump-a-late-political-gift">“garbage.”</a> It was as if Biden completely forgot what happened to Hillary Clinton in 2016 after her “basket of deplorables” comment. OK, yeah, he probably did forget.

&#8216;He needs to step down&#8217;: City&#8217;s political class reels from Biden debate disaster

<p>It might seem like elder abuse to include Joe Biden in this list, but, after all, he’s still the president and leader of the free world. Of course, he should have bowed out many moons before <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/joe-biden-debate-democrats-donald-trump-gavin-newsom/">his disastrous debate against Trump</a>. And yeah, introducing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” at a NATO summit wasn’t great. But Sleepy Joe’s most impactful gaffe came in the home stretch of the election, when he responded to a racist joke by a Trump-supporting comedian by calling Trump supporters <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-10-31/us-election-2024-biden-gaffe-hands-trump-a-late-political-gift">“garbage.”</a> It was as if Biden completely forgot what happened to Hillary Clinton in 2016 after her “basket of deplorables” comment. OK, yeah, he probably did forget.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-highway-to-hell-joel-engardio">The highway to hell: Joel Engardio</h2>


Supervisor Joel Engardio attends the weekly Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for addressing local legislation, establishing city policies, as well as adopting ordinances and resolutions. The governmental body’s meetings are always open to public comment from residents.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240227_supervisorsmeeting-29.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit and tie sits at a desk, looking serious and focused. Laptops are in front of him, and a blurred background suggests an office setting." class="wp-image-253642"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Joel Engardio faces a recall attempt in just his third year in office.</figcaption></figure>


Since his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">long-sought election victory</a> in 2022 to become supervisor of the Sunset, Joel Engardio has received praise for his policy chops and ability to work with peers and constituents. But in a colossal miscalculation that could cost him his job, Engardio sponsored Proposition K to permanently ban cars from the upper portion of the Great Highway and turn it into a park. He failed to get a full read from residents of his district, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/03/recall-campaign-joel-engardio-prop-k-great-highway/">he’s likely to face a recall</a> in 2025 as irritated constituents get set to gather signatures. It’s a rather stunning fall from grace that could shake up the tenuous moderate majority of the Board of Supervisors.

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Sunset residents launch effort to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio

<p>Since his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">long-sought election victory</a> in 2022 to become supervisor of the Sunset, Joel Engardio has received praise for his policy chops and ability to work with peers and constituents. But in a colossal miscalculation that could cost him his job, Engardio sponsored Proposition K to permanently ban cars from the upper portion of the Great Highway and turn it into a park. He failed to get a full read from residents of his district, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/03/recall-campaign-joel-engardio-prop-k-great-highway/">he’s likely to face a recall</a> in 2025 as irritated constituents get set to gather signatures. It’s a rather stunning fall from grace that could shake up the tenuous moderate majority of the Board of Supervisors.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kearny-killer-london-breed">The Kearny killer: London Breed</h2>


Mayor London Breed speaks to reporters at   post-election party at Victory Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Before Breed arrived at the party, polls showed her trailing behind her opponent, Daniel Lurie.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/w2a7988.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer stands in front of multiple microphones, speaking at a press event. She is wearing a pin that says &quot;VOTE&quot; and appears focused and composed." class="wp-image-329674"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed managed to enrage a critical demographic of voters with a proposed sober-living center in Chinatown.</figcaption></figure>


In a year in which every mayoral candidate was desperately courting votes from the Asian American community, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-chinatown-sober-living-facility-london-breed/">sparked outrage among Chinatown residents and businesses</a> by announcing plans for a 150-unit sober-living center on Kearny Street. Residents said they weren&#8217;t consulted before an announcement was made, leading to an awkward encounter for Breed with cameras rolling. The plan for the center was quickly scrapped, but many voters didn’t forgive or forget, as Breed was denied a second term.

Breed confronted over planned Chinatown sober living facility  

<p>In a year in which every mayoral candidate was desperately courting votes from the Asian American community, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-chinatown-sober-living-facility-london-breed/">sparked outrage among Chinatown residents and businesses</a> by announcing plans for a 150-unit sober-living center on Kearny Street. Residents said they weren't consulted before an announcement was made, leading to an awkward encounter for Breed with cameras rolling. The plan for the center was quickly scrapped, but many voters didn’t forgive or forget, as Breed was denied a second term.</p>

<p>In a year in which every mayoral candidate was desperately courting votes from the Asian American community, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/08/san-francisco-chinatown-sober-living-facility-london-breed/">sparked outrage among Chinatown residents and businesses</a> by announcing plans for a 150-unit sober-living center on Kearny Street. Residents said they weren&#8217;t consulted before an announcement was made, leading to an awkward encounter for Breed with cameras rolling. The plan for the center was quickly scrapped, but many voters didn’t forgive or forget, as Breed was denied a second term.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-late-bloomer-ahsha-safai">The late-bloomer: Ahsha Safaí</h2>


District 11 supervisor Ahsha Safaí speaks during a press conference at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco about recent hate crimes on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Both victims and city officials discussed the rash of racist attacks and the city’s response.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240905-racistattackspresser_aar_20.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue suit and tie is speaking at a podium with a red cloth and microphone, gesturing with his hands. Organ pipes are visible in the background." class="wp-image-308432"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor and mayoral candidate Ahsha Safaí had a curious campaign strategy when it came to releasing ads.</figcaption></figure>


He barely stood a chance of winning the San Francisco mayor’s race, but waiting until just a few weeks before the election to release his first campaign ad didn’t help Supervisor Ahsha Safaí’s chances. He announced <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1844867749404868911">his first official campaign ad</a> Oct. 11 — almost a year and a half after revealing his candidacy and 10 days after ballots had been sent to voters. The terming-out supervisor also <a href="https://x.com/ahsha_safai/status/1765529297006276695?s=46&amp;t=pyd4Acn73VWtIC6nuFy7LA">released a weird video</a> in March that appeared to have the high-res quality of grandpa’s old flip phone. In the tech capital of the world, never go full pixel.

<p>He barely stood a chance of winning the San Francisco mayor’s race, but waiting until just a few weeks before the election to release his first campaign ad didn’t help Supervisor Ahsha Safaí’s chances. He announced <a href="https://x.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1844867749404868911">his first official campaign ad</a> Oct. 11 — almost a year and a half after revealing his candidacy and 10 days after ballots had been sent to voters. The terming-out supervisor also <a href="https://x.com/ahsha_safai/status/1765529297006276695?s=46&amp;t=pyd4Acn73VWtIC6nuFy7LA">released a weird video</a> in March that appeared to have the high-res quality of grandpa’s old flip phone. In the tech capital of the world, never go full pixel.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-balance-loser-nancy-pelosi">The balance loser: Nancy Pelosi</h2>


US President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applauds during a joint session of Congress in the U.S. Capitol House Chamber on March 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. During his first State of the Union address, President Joe Biden spoke on his administration’s efforts to lead a global response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, work to curb inflation, and bring the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gettyimages-123886429821.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue suit claps with a US flag backdrop. A man in a suit speaks at a podium in the foreground. The scene is formal and patriotic." class="wp-image-289941"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi waited too long to help push Biden off the ticket.</figcaption></figure>


A momentary loss of balance during an official visit to Luxembourg earned the speaker emerita a new hip — and a <a href="https://x.com/jayobtv/status/1869118356139475271?s=46">memorable photo op</a> —&nbsp;this month. But Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s more consequential stumble lay in refusing to admit until far too late what was plain for all to see: Biden had no business running for a second term. In February, Pelosi said the president was “very sharp” and noted that he is younger than her. As a result, Pelosi and Democratic leaders denied the party a chance to hold a real primary and better understand the issues important to voters. While she and venture capitalist Ron Conway were instrumental in eventually <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-silicon-valley-godfather-who-helped-push-out-the-president">pushing Biden off the ticket</a>, it was too little, too late.

<p>A momentary loss of balance during an official visit to Luxembourg earned the speaker emerita a new hip — and a <a href="https://x.com/jayobtv/status/1869118356139475271?s=46">memorable photo op</a> —&nbsp;this month. But Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s more consequential stumble lay in refusing to admit until far too late what was plain for all to see: Biden had no business running for a second term. In February, Pelosi said the president was “very sharp” and noted that he is younger than her. As a result, Pelosi and Democratic leaders denied the party a chance to hold a real primary and better understand the issues important to voters. While she and venture capitalist Ron Conway were instrumental in eventually <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-silicon-valley-godfather-who-helped-push-out-the-president">pushing Biden off the ticket</a>, it was too little, too late.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ai-assassin-scott-wiener">The AI assassin: Scott Wiener</h2>


State Sen. Scott Wiener has pushed for psychedelic decriminalization during several legislative sessions.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/010324-senate-session-fg-cm.jpeg?w=1568" alt="a man in a light blue suit holding a sheaf of papers points while speaking" class="wp-image-251011"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener has made plenty of enemies during his time in office, but Big Tech may be No. 1.</figcaption></figure>


Never afraid of a good political brawl, state Sen. Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco, may have finally bitten off more than he can chew. He has refused to back away from principled legislation to create more housing in California and expand LGBTQ+ rights, leading to a near-endless stream of attacks and even death threats. But his effort to push through legislation that would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/sb-1047-ai-safety-bill-scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi/">regulate the rapidly accelerating AI industry</a> — drawing opposition from Conway, OpenAI, Meta, and even <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/sb1047-ai-san-francisco-london-breed-scott-wiener/">political ally Breed</a>&nbsp; — may have irreparably severed political ties with the city’s deep-pocketed tech community. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Wiener’s AI bill, SB 1047, in late September, meaning all that effort went for naught and may leave the senator stranded on a political island as he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/30/christine-pelosi-scott-wiener-shadow-campaign/">looks to succeed Pelosi in Congress</a>.

State lawmakers send controversial AI safety bill dividing local leaders to Newsom&#8217;s desk

London Breed comes out against ally Scott Wiener&#8217;s controversial AI safety bill

Christine Pelosi breaks her silence on the &#8216;shadow campaign&#8217; against Scott Wiener

<p>Never afraid of a good political brawl, state Sen. Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco, may have finally bitten off more than he can chew. He has refused to back away from principled legislation to create more housing in California and expand LGBTQ+ rights, leading to a near-endless stream of attacks and even death threats. But his effort to push through legislation that would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/28/sb-1047-ai-safety-bill-scott-wiener-nancy-pelosi/">regulate the rapidly accelerating AI industry</a> — drawing opposition from Conway, OpenAI, Meta, and even <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/27/sb1047-ai-san-francisco-london-breed-scott-wiener/">political ally Breed</a>&nbsp; — may have irreparably severed political ties with the city’s deep-pocketed tech community. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Wiener’s AI bill, SB 1047, in late September, meaning all that effort went for naught and may leave the senator stranded on a political island as he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/30/christine-pelosi-scott-wiener-shadow-campaign/">looks to succeed Pelosi in Congress</a>.</p>

The year’s biggest political fumbles

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

It was an Election Day bombshell no political insider saw coming.

<p>It was an Election Day bombshell no political insider saw coming.</p>

A day before the city’s last voters cast their ballots in person, the San Francisco Ethics Commission announced that mayoral candidate Mark Farrell would pay the largest settlement in city history, $108,000, for campaign misdeeds.&nbsp;

<p>A day before the city’s last voters cast their ballots in person, the San Francisco Ethics Commission announced that mayoral candidate Mark Farrell would pay the largest settlement in city history, $108,000, for campaign misdeeds.&nbsp;</p>

Politicians, consultants, journalists, and concerned citizens were stunned that the commission did its job when it actually mattered.&nbsp;

<p>Politicians, consultants, journalists, and concerned citizens were stunned that the commission did its job when it actually mattered.&nbsp;</p>

The city’s elections watchdog was once notorious for finishing investigations years after anybody would care, said Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed’s reelection campaign. No one on the team thought Farrell would face consequences before the election.

<p>The city’s elections watchdog was once notorious for finishing investigations years after anybody would care, said Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed’s reelection campaign. No one on the team thought Farrell would face consequences before the election. </p>

“All of us were caught by surprise,” Arellano said.&nbsp;

<p>“All of us were caught by surprise,” Arellano said.&nbsp;</p>

sf-standard/related-post

Former SF mayors call for criminal probe of Mark Farrell’s campaign

sf-standard/related-posts-container

The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency&#8217;s new recipe for success.&nbsp;

<p>The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency's new recipe for success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Standard spoke to Ethics Commission staff members, combed through data, and watched public meetings to sniff out the agency&#8217;s new recipe for success.&nbsp;</p>

It amounts to more money and more staffers. Over the past several election cycles, the commission hired more enforcement staff to handle higher caseloads and smoothed communication with all parties to eliminate roadblocks, according to Director of Enforcement Olabisi Matthews, who leads the team tasked with digging into electoral wrongdoing.&nbsp;

<p>It amounts to more money and more staffers. Over the past several election cycles, the commission hired more enforcement staff to handle higher caseloads and smoothed communication with all parties to eliminate roadblocks, according to Director of Enforcement Olabisi Matthews, who leads the team tasked with digging into electoral wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

Matthews was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where government corruption is a fact of life.&nbsp;Police corruption is rampant enough in Nigeria <a href="https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/July/bribery-becoming-less-accepted-in-nigeria--says-new-report-on-corruption-patterns-and-trends-in-the-country.html">to draw the attention of United Nations investigators</a>.

<p>Matthews was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where government corruption is a fact of life.&nbsp;Police corruption is rampant enough in Nigeria <a href="https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/July/bribery-becoming-less-accepted-in-nigeria--says-new-report-on-corruption-patterns-and-trends-in-the-country.html">to draw the attention of United Nations investigators</a>.</p>

Olabisi Matthews poses for a portrait at The SF Ethics Commission’s office in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The SF Ethics Commission broke a historical precedent of fining a major candidate before the election concluded and now pledges candidates who commit similar violations will see immediate repercussions.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241121-ethicsrush_0093.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman sits at a desk with a computer, wearing a black blazer and pink top. She appears professional, with a window and greenery beside her." class="wp-image-336282"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olabisi Matthews, director of enforcement at the Ethics Commission, said she was inspired by the mission of holding public officials accountable. </figcaption></figure>


Matthews later moved to San Francisco. When she saw an opening at the Ethics Commission, she found motivation in its mission.&nbsp;

<p>Matthews later moved to San Francisco. When she saw an opening at the Ethics Commission, she found motivation in its mission.&nbsp;</p>

“The excitement coming here was how there are laws and systems to hold people accountable,” Matthews said. “I can’t fix where I grew up, but this is home for me, and I can fix it for my children and the future.”

<p>“The excitement coming here was how there are laws and systems to hold people accountable,” Matthews said. “I can’t fix where I grew up, but this is home for me, and I can fix it for my children and the future.”</p>

Public data show that the commission&#8217;s annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog.

<p>Public data show that the commission's annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog. </p>

<p>Public data show that the commission&#8217;s annual caseload has risen from about 25 to 50 since 2021. Despite the increase, the agency wrapped up investigations faster. By 2023, it eliminated a longstanding backlog. </p>

It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>&#8216;s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;

<p>It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>'s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It now takes three months to dismiss or open a case, Matthews said.&nbsp;Contrast that with <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html">the commission</a>&#8216;s fining<a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2021/08/ethics-commission-fines-mayor-london-breed-22792-for-violating-campaign-finance-ethics-and-gift-laws.html"> Breed $22,000 in August 2021</a> for a range of issues that first emerged in early 2020 — more than a year from allegation to fine.&nbsp;</p>

It took investment from the city to pick up the pace. In 2022, the mayor’s budget allowed the commission to double the number of investigators from three to six, costing the city $560,000 annually.&nbsp;

<p>It took investment from the city to pick up the pace. In 2022, the mayor’s budget allowed the commission to double the number of investigators from three to six, costing the city $560,000 annually.&nbsp;</p>

Two of the new investigators were attorneys. Before, a single investigator would take a case from start to finish, then file a case themselves. Now an investigator gathers evidence, and an attorney files the case.&nbsp;

<p>Two of the new investigators were attorneys. Before, a single investigator would take a case from start to finish, then file a case themselves. Now an investigator gathers evidence, and an attorney files the case.&nbsp;</p>

Before attorneys joined the team, investigators were overly cautious, Matthews said. They gathered far more evidence than they needed, slowing the process.&nbsp;

<p>Before attorneys joined the team, investigators were overly cautious, Matthews said. They gathered far more evidence than they needed, slowing the process.&nbsp;</p>

“When you have attorneys on the team with that legal training, they have little hesitation to go toe-to-toe against opposing counsel,” Matthews said. “We’ve seen that.”

<p>“When you have attorneys on the team with that legal training, they have little hesitation to go toe-to-toe against opposing counsel,” Matthews said. “We’ve seen that.”</p>

The work toward Farrell’s landmark settlement was copious. Enforcement staff subpoenaed Farrell’s team, then combed through more than 1,500 pages of evidence, testimony, and public documents. The commission alleged that Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and improperly giving them to his own campaign.&nbsp;

<p>The work toward Farrell’s landmark settlement was copious. Enforcement staff subpoenaed Farrell’s team, then combed through more than 1,500 pages of evidence, testimony, and public documents. The commission alleged that Farrell double-dipped, taking $93,000 in contributions from a PAC in his name supporting Proposition D, a ballot measure to cut city commissions, and improperly giving them to his own campaign.&nbsp;</p>

Mark Farrell asked for special favor to rush his home renovation permits, mayor says

When Farrell’s settlement was announced, his allies publicly complained that the case was sped up.&nbsp;Farrell finished the mayoral race far behind three other major candidates.

<p>When Farrell’s settlement was announced, his allies publicly complained that the case was sped up.&nbsp;Farrell finished the mayoral race far behind three other major candidates.</p>

Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission&#8217;s past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.

<p>Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission's past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.</p>

<p>Jim Ross, a consultant with experience in San Francisco elections, said the commission&#8217;s past sluggishness led some campaigns to strategically skirt the law. Consequences would come too late to change electoral outcomes.</p>

“This is the first time the Ethics Commission, in a big campaign in a big race in big stakes, issued a fine and ruling that influenced an election,” Ross said. “It’s a shot across the bow to every San Francisco campaign moving forward.”

<p>“This is the first time the Ethics Commission, in a big campaign in a big race in big stakes, issued a fine and ruling that influenced an election,” Ross said. “It’s a shot across the bow to every San Francisco campaign moving forward.”</p>

But funding to maintain the newly muscular commission isn’t a sure thing.&nbsp;

<p>But funding to maintain the newly muscular commission isn’t a sure thing.&nbsp;</p>

Senior IS analyst Jarrod Flores, left, and Engagement and compliance officer Kevin Kincaid work at The SF Ethics Commission’s office in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The SF Ethics Commission broke a historical precedent of fining a major candidate before the election concluded and now pledges candidates who commit similar violations will see immediate repercussions.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241121-ethicsrush_0316.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men are seated closely together in an office setting, focused on computer screens. They are engaged in a collaborative discussion." class="wp-image-336289"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jarrod Flores and Kevin Kincaid work at the Ethics Commission offices. The commission broke historical precedent in issuing a hefty fine to Mark Farrell before the mayoral election. </figcaption></figure>


At a June budget hearing, Ethics Commission Executive Director Patrick Ford asked the Board of Supervisors to protect his department’s cash flow and let him upgrade certain investigator positions to ensure they would be held by qualified attorneys.

<p>At a June budget hearing, Ethics Commission Executive Director Patrick Ford asked the Board of Supervisors to protect his department’s cash flow and let him upgrade certain investigator positions to ensure they would be held by qualified attorneys.</p>

With an expanded staff, “we&#8217;ve been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;

<p>With an expanded staff, “we've been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With an expanded staff, “we&#8217;ve been able to completely eliminate our backlog,” Ford said.&nbsp;</p>

Supervisor Connie Chan, the budget chair, said at the budget hearing she believed in the commission’s importance but had to balance the needs of various city departments at a time of fiscal uncertainty.

<p>Supervisor Connie Chan, the budget chair, said at the budget hearing she believed in the commission’s importance but had to balance the needs of various city departments at a time of fiscal uncertainty.</p>

&#8220;We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. &#8220;I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”

<p>"We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. "I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”</p>

<p>&#8220;We’re going to make some really tough choices,” Chan said of the coming year. &#8220;I think that we’re facing an unprecedented budget deficit.”</p>

The Ethics Commission kept its enforcement staff. But the positions weren’t upgraded. If one of the enforcement attorneys leaves, there’s no guarantee the next hire will have legal training.&nbsp;

<p>The Ethics Commission kept its enforcement staff. But the positions weren’t upgraded. If one of the enforcement attorneys leaves, there’s no guarantee the next hire will have legal training.&nbsp;</p>

Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie will navigate his first-ever city budget amid a projected $800 million deficit. Matthews hopes elected officials see what the city’s watchdogs can do when they have the necessary resources.

<p>Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie will navigate his first-ever city budget amid a projected $800 million deficit. Matthews hopes elected officials see what the city’s watchdogs can do when they have the necessary resources.</p>

“I believe the public is asking for it,” Matthews said. “They’re asking for the Ethics Commission to do more. We want to do more. We’ve shown we can do more if given the opportunity.”

<p>“I believe the public is asking for it,” Matthews said. “They’re asking for the Ethics Commission to do more. We want to do more. We’ve shown we can do more if given the opportunity.”</p>

How SF got serious about campaign shenanigans, just in time

Kevin V. Nguyen

Rya Jetha

Mayor London Breed believes downtown is forever changed by the shift to remote work, and San Francisco needs to adapt rather than attempt to turn back the clock. But Mark Farrell — one of her leading challengers in the mayoral race — believes the story might’ve been different had someone else been in charge.

<p>Mayor London Breed believes downtown is forever changed by the shift to remote work, and San Francisco needs to adapt rather than attempt to turn back the clock. But Mark Farrell — one of her leading challengers in the mayoral race — believes the story might’ve been different had someone else been in charge.</p>

“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, &#8216;throw spaghetti at the wall&#8217; approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;

<p>“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, 'throw spaghetti at the wall' approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The blame lies squarely with Mayor Breed,” Farrell said in an October interview of the candidates conducted by The Standard and ABC7 News. “Her scattershot, &#8216;throw spaghetti at the wall&#8217; approach to downtown recovery is not only embarrassing, but it also makes our city look unserious on the global stage.”&nbsp;</p>

Four years after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">wide-scale retreat of the largest employers</a>, San Francisco still lags behind nearly every other major city in terms of in-person office recovery.&nbsp;

Corporate retreat: Big Tech has slashed its office presence in San Francisco by half

<p>Four years after the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">wide-scale retreat of the largest employers</a>, San Francisco still lags behind nearly every other major city in terms of in-person office recovery.&nbsp;</p>

People walk through Salesforce Park in San Francisco, on September 30, 2024. Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to working in office this week.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240927-rtoisgtfo_aar_5.jpg?w=2500" alt="A diverse group of people are walking on a sunny, tree-lined path with a tall, modern skyscraper in the background, under a clear blue sky." class="wp-image-317487"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salesforce is among a number of tech companies setting hard deadlines for employees to return to the office this month.</figcaption></figure>


Office attendance this year in San Francisco averages 43% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. That&nbsp;figure has barely inched up from 2023. The stalled return of workers has had cascading effects on restaurants, retailers, and transit agencies.

<p>Office attendance this year in San Francisco averages 43% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. That&nbsp;figure has barely inched up from 2023. The stalled return of workers has had cascading effects on restaurants, retailers, and transit agencies.</p>

The issue has become a key topic in the mayoral race as the candidates debate the best path to reviving a languishing downtown core.

<p>The issue has become a key topic in the mayoral race as the candidates debate the best path to reviving a languishing downtown core.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-breed">London Breed</h2>


Breed argues that because hybrid work is here to stay, the best strategy is to make downtown a place that everyone — not just office workers — wants to frequent.

<p>Breed argues that because hybrid work is here to stay, the best strategy is to make downtown a place that everyone — not just office workers — wants to frequent.</p>

“Downtown needs to evolve into a 24/7 nightlife- and entertainment-focused neighborhood,” Joe Arellano, the mayor’s campaign spokesperson, told The Standard. “The best way to incentivize workers to come back to the office is to make our downtown more enticing and fun, so workers choose that over working remotely from home.”&nbsp;

<p>“Downtown needs to evolve into a 24/7 nightlife- and entertainment-focused neighborhood,” Joe Arellano, the mayor’s campaign spokesperson, told The Standard. “The best way to incentivize workers to come back to the office is to make our downtown more enticing and fun, so workers choose that over working remotely from home.”&nbsp;</p>

That includes making the area safer and cleaner, according to Breed’s team. They point to more visible law enforcement, community ambassadors, and street programming as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/mid-market-will-thrive-once-san-francisco-solves-its-drug-crisis/">evidence of progress</a>.

Desperate emails reveal pressure on officials to clean up Mid-Market

<p>That includes making the area safer and cleaner, according to Breed’s team. They point to more visible law enforcement, community ambassadors, and street programming as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/mid-market-will-thrive-once-san-francisco-solves-its-drug-crisis/">evidence of progress</a>.</p>

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Speaking at the interview with The Standard and ABC7 News, Breed highlighted the need for wider tax reform to make the city more business-friendly. Asked if city employees should be in the office five days a week, Breed said, “Definitely, and that’s something we have consistently tried to work on.” But she admitted that employee recruiting and retention have been issues for&nbsp; some city departments.

<p>Speaking at the interview with The Standard and ABC7 News, Breed highlighted the need for wider tax reform to make the city more business-friendly. Asked if city employees should be in the office five days a week, Breed said, “Definitely, and that’s something we have consistently tried to work on.” But she admitted that employee recruiting and retention have been issues for&nbsp; some city departments.</p>

About three-quarters of city workers are currently back in the office, according to a spokesperson for the city administrator.&nbsp;

<p>About three-quarters of city workers are currently back in the office, according to a spokesperson for the city administrator.&nbsp;</p>

The year’s biggest political fumbles

How SF got serious about campaign shenanigans, just in time

Could a new mayor bring SF’s workers back to the office?

Scrambling for Halloween? We made printable masks of SF’s favorite celebs

Millions in stock, Israel trip, jazz tickets: Inside mayoral candidates’ financials

Search Results for: mark farrell

The year’s biggest political fumbles

How SF got serious about campaign shenanigans, just in time

Could a new mayor bring SF’s workers back to the office?

Scrambling for Halloween? We made printable masks of SF’s favorite celebs

Millions in stock, Israel trip, jazz tickets: Inside mayoral candidates’ financials